Former Iraq hostages give eyewitness reports and question SDF in Iraq

Three people who were held captive in Iraq by force gave first-hand reports on the situation in Iraq at a public meeting on May 20 in Tokyo.

Journalist Yasuda Junpei said, "I was detained but they treated me respectfully. They want to defend their way of life. I want to think about how I can help them to achieve for that."

Photo journalist Koriyama Soichiro said, "Iraqi people's deaths are not even counted. I want to question if it is really necessary for the Japanese Self-Defense Forces to stay in Iraq."

Watanabe Nobutaka, a member of a citizens' group, said, "The reason for my release could be that I was unarmed."

Writer and Japan P.E.N. Club President Inoue Hisashi said that the five people acted on their aspirations for peace and became involved. Former U.N. University Vice President Mushakoji Kinhide called on the audience to make further efforts in opposing the U.S. occupation of Iraq and in calling for the withdrawal of the SDF from Iraq.

Takato Nahoko, another former Iraq hostage who is now recuperating at home in Hokkaido, made her first appearance for a pool press coverage on May 20.

She admitted that she felt fears when she was held, but added that they also are grieved and that she wants them to find the courage to give up arms. She stated that she was convinced that there is more need than ever for humanitarian assistance to be carried out by people without weapons. (end)